Energetic Devices

EaglePicher’s energetic devices have supported nearly every major defense program since 1965. Our various energetic device products have emerged from EaglePicher Technologies’ long-standing specialty battery business. Since its introduction to the industry in 1922, EaglePicher Technologies has become the most diversified battery manufacturer in the world. When you demand the highest quality and most reliable energetic devices, EaglePicher is the only name you need to know.

These devices transform pyrotechnic energy into motion to perform work against an external load. Bellows actuators produce linear or rotary motion with a relatively long stroke. When actuated, the bellows expands following any straight or curved path established by surrounding surfaces, and will retain its extended position under load. Applications include rotating a shaft, pushing a mechanical load, disconnecting a plug, adjusting a camera, or arming a projectile.

Piston actuators produce a pushing linear motion. They are available in micro miniature, miniature, and large sizes with a variety of stroke lengths. Applications include: puncturing a container, uncasing a gyroscope, indicating the presence of unwanted electrical impulses, firing a primer or stab detonator, or arming a projectile.

Dimple Actuators

These devices produce a short linear motion by inverting a dimpled cup. They hold their position under load. Applications include operating a switch, latch or relay, pushing a mechanical load, arming a projectile, and locking, unlocking, or releasing.

Retractable actuators produce a pulling or withdrawing type of linear motion. When actuated, a piston partially retracts into the casing and locks into place. Applications include: pulling mechanical loads, locking, unlocking or releasing, and operating a switch, latch, or relay.

These devices use a precisely controlled chemical reaction to produce a specified volume of gas. The resulting gas pressure is used to do mechanical work. Applications include: displacing a liquid, pressurizing a container, operating a cartridge actuated device (CAD), inflating air bags, actuating expelling bladders and other ejection devices, and dispensing powder from a corked vial.

These small, lightweight devices use pyrotechnic generated gas pressure to open or close one or more electrical circuits instantaneously, or with delays of up to six seconds. Each switch is hermetically sealed, preventing any leakage of pyrotechnic reaction products. Applications include: emergency power cut off, delay arming of fuses, sequencing a series of events from a single initiation, aborting ignition or detonation, or triggering an alarm.